UNICEF

Mongolia, Timor Leste

Anthrologica was awarded ‘Best of UNICEF Research 2014’ for this formative study on integrated programming to reduce preventable child deaths from pneumonia, diarrhoea and newborn complications in Mongolia and Timor Leste. Commissioned by UNICEF East Asia and Pacific Regional Office (EAPRO), the research sought to define behavioural and social change outcomes by providing insights on three key areas: barriers that prevent the adoption of healthy practices and timely care-seeking; positive drivers that influence healthcare-seeking behaviour for childhood pneumonia, diarrhoea and newborn complications; and decision-making processes associated with childcare and treatment seeking for childhood illnesses in Mongolia and Timor Leste. The research presented an evidence base to inform programme design and communication strategies and determined: core areas to focus communication interventions using community dialogue processes and other communication channels identified; opportunities to enable caregivers, communities and healthcare personnel to adopt and/or promote appropriate healthy practices and actions; the social media landscape and the feasibility for introducing mHealth; potential engagement of private sector organisations, social networks and the media in national and local interventions to enhance child survival activities at different levels; and key advocacy issues through which to elevate the priority of and resources for reducing childhood morbidity and mortality due to pneumonia, diarrhoeal disease and newborn complications. The project took place between August 2013 and January 2014.